The AYCO Youth Advisory Committee is a small committee of current and engaged AYCO youth members which provides feedback to the AYCO Board of Directors from the youth perspective. The YAC provides suggestions, opinions, and input on the efficacy and impact of AYCO structure, programs, events, and initiatives. The YAC also develops and implements targeted projects (examples include the Gender and Circus Coaching resource sheet and the College Circus Club List).

The YAC meets monthly via video conference, as members are located all over the country. Current YAC members are: Natasha Shatzkin, Ruth Schultz, Beau Cromartie and Abbi Wilson.

YAC nominations are rolling (always open). A YAC nominee must be a current AYCO member, and must be nominated by another current AYCO or ACE member (youth or adult). Once nominated, the nominee will be asked to submit a personal statement and then must be approved by the current YAC.

The YAC is committed to expanding diversity in all forms of representation – racially, culturally, socioeconomically, geographically, and gender identity. Our focus is on centering marginalized voices in circus, particularly youth of color, LGBTQIA youth, and disabled youth. If purchasing a youth membership would be a financial barrier for your participation in the Youth Advisory Committee, please contact us at tara@americanyouthcircus.org!